3 February: With the retail sector workforce projected to grow by around 55,000 people over the next six years* a greater emphasis needs to be placed on new technologies to make training more cost effective for retailers and more accessible and engaging for employees.
Steve Dineen, Chief Executive of Fuse, the online learning specialist, whose platform is already in use by brands including Phones4U and Panasonic, says technology can fundamentally change the way training is being delivered.
“Retailers already spend more on employee training than companies in many other sectors,” says Dineen. “We now have retailers who are using social platforms like Fuse to reduce the need for and cost of staging large training events. Instead, we are seeing greater levels of training, support and engagement across organisations as a result of deploying technology to create peer to peer learning.”
Whilst the Fuse platform does contain structured elements of accredited learning which take staff to the basic 101 level, it’s the social elements of Fuse that are breaking with convention: The Fuse platform enables individuals to quickly and easily capture and share knowledge, questions and ideas in video, audio or text format. Communities of practice are set up where staff can share knowledge and collaborate with one another and get quick access to the information they need from anywhere; 24 hours a day, 7 days a week from any mobile device or desktop; and importantly receiving recognition for the contributions that they make. It enables information and best practice to be shared throughout the organisation, from in-store staff through to senior management.
“The social platform provides value for everyone; it’s not limited to just permanent or the more experienced staff ”, adds Dineen.
“The retail sector is also amongst the UK’s largest users of apprenticeships and despite the economic conditions, many have maintained their commitment to providing opportunities for young people. Around a third of retail employees are aged between16 and 24** and for this age group in particular, engaging and learning via a social platform is second nature. It also means training can be easily and inexpensively delivered to part time and even temporary staff.”
